Subaru fans have waited nearly 20 years for this moment, and now it’s here: the 2026 Baja is back as a rugged yet refined pickup that blends car-like comfort with truck toughness. This revival keeps the spirit of the original 2000s cult favorite but amps it up with modern Subaru tech, including standard all-wheel drive and a turbocharged boxer engine. Built on a beefed-up Outback platform, the new Baja seats five comfortably while offering a versatile bed for gear or weekend hauls. It’s aimed at adventure seekers who want something smaller than a full-size truck but punchier than a crossover. Dealers should see these rolling in mid-2026, starting around $35,000, ready to challenge the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz in the compact pickup game.
Engine Muscle Meets Everyday Smarts
At the heart of the 2026 Baja beats a 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer-four engine, pumping out 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. It’s smooth and responsive, with that signature Subaru flat-four rumble that lovers know so well. For those craving more, a hybrid variant teams it with electric motors for 300 horses and 329 pound-feet, perfect for towing up to 5,000 pounds without breaking a sweat. Both setups hook up to a nine-speed automatic transmission, with drive modes that switch from eco-friendly city cruising to dirt-road aggression. Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive comes standard, dishing out power evenly for grip in rain, snow, or mud.
Early test drives show this powertrain shines on twisty backroads, zipping from zero to 60 in under seven seconds. The suspension mixes coils up front with a multi-link rear, tuned for a plush ride loaded or light. Brakes are big and vented, and the steering feels direct, making it fun to pilot daily.
Fuel Efficiency That Won’t Hurt Your Wallet
Subaru didn’t skimp on mileage with this comeback. The gas-only 2.4-liter turbo nets 25 miles per gallon in the city and 32 on the highway for two-wheel-drive models, a big step up from the old Baja’s thirsty ways. All-wheel-drive versions dip slightly to 23 city and 29 highway, but that’s still competitive for an AWD truck. The hybrid option pushes efficiency further, hitting 28 combined MPG, ideal for long trips with less stops at the pump.
These EPA estimates hold up in real use, thanks to lightweight aluminum bits and smart engine mapping. It’s a win for folks who haul but hate high fuel bills.
| Engine Type | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L Turbo 2WD | 25 | 32 | 28 |
| 2.4L Turbo AWD | 23 | 29 | 26 |
| Hybrid AWD | 26 | 31 | 28 |
Trims, Features, and Starting Prices
The Baja lineup keeps it simple with four trims: Base, Premium, Wilderness, and Limited. Each builds on the last, from work-ready basics to loaded luxo-trucks. Base models kick off at $34,995 with cloth seats and an 11-inch touchscreen, while the top Limited climbs to $45,995 with leather and a panoramic roof. Most come as crew cabs with a 5-foot bed, but a sporty extended version saves cash for solo drivers.
Key highlights by trim include:
| Trim | Base Price | Top Features |
|---|---|---|
| Base | $34,995 | 17-inch wheels, Apple CarPlay |
| Premium | $38,500 | Heated seats, moonroof |
| Wilderness | $42,000 | Off-road tires, roof rails |
| Limited | $45,995 | Adaptive cruise, 360 camera |
Add the hybrid for $3,500 extra on any trim. Prices are MSRP before destination fees.
Off-Road Ready Without the Drama
True to Subaru roots, the Baja is built for trails. The Wilderness trim ups the ante with 9.5 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and hill descent control that lets you creep down steep drops hands-free. Skid plates guard the underbody, and recovery points make winching easy. Even base models get X-Mode for slippery stuff, with deep snow and mud settings.
Towing capacity tops 5,000 pounds, and payload hits 1,500. New for 2026, a bed-mounted power inverter runs tools or campsites, and lockable tailgate storage keeps valuables safe. It’s tough enough for overlanding but won’t beat you up on grocery runs.
Cabin Tech That’s Actually Useful
Slide into the Baja, and it feels like a cozy Outback with a truck bed. The dash wraps around you with soft-touch plastics and big knobs for quick grabs. That 11-inch infotainment screen runs Subaru’s Starlink system, wireless for phones and over-the-air updates. EyeSight safety suite watches for lane drifts and auto-brakes in traffic, plus a driver monitor that nudges if you’re dozing.
Space is generous: 40 inches of rear legroom and clever cubbies everywhere. Premium trims add ventilated seats and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. Bullet points on standout tech:
- Wireless charging pad up front
- Digital gauge cluster with trail readouts
- Trailer backup guide on the screen
- Built-in dash cam for mishap proof
It’s simple, intuitive stuff that makes drives less stressful.
The Baja’s Edge in a Crowded Lot
Why pick the 2026 Baja over the pack? It’s that Subaru magic: unbeatable AWD grip in a package that’s easier to park and cheaper to run than giants like the F-150. The revival nods to nostalgia but delivers fresh value, like standard safety and hybrid smarts without jacking the price. Colors pop with options like Crystal White Pearl, and the bed’s spray-in liner shrugs off scratches. In a world craving versatile rides, this Baja nails the balance of fun, function, and fuel savings. Head to a dealer soon—waitlists might build fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2026 Baja really coming back?
Yes, Subaru confirmed the revival, hitting U.S. lots in summer 2026 after a concept tease last year.
What’s the towing limit?
Up to 5,000 pounds with the gas engine; hybrids cap at 4,500.
Does it have a manual option?
No, it’s all automatics this time, focused on smooth shifts.
How does mileage compare to rivals?
Better than the Maverick’s hybrid in AWD setups, around 28 combined.
Any off-road extras?
Wilderness trim gets lifted suspension and bash plates for serious trails.
